Me: "Our world has not crumbled around us, we are not among the dead, or missing. We are not the starving, terrified people of Japan worrying not only about their loved ones, but about radiation poisoning. We are not the family of an American school teacher that is huddled in a school building 50 miles from the Nuclear Reactor. All things considered you are amazing."

Realtor/Client: "So what is the underwriter asking for now?"

Me: "Just a few more items to satisfy the investor. We won't close on time, but we will close."

I know that it seems like underwriters have gone mad, your closings are delayed, your frustration level is high, but really? This too shall pass. Know that your loan officers are doing everything in our power to get loans closed, underwriters are overwhelmed, investors are making lenders buy back loans for the smallest issue, closing departments are working overtime.

Set your buyers up in the beginning, prepare them for hoop jumping, then they won't be surprised. Please have patience, make sure your buyers are working with us to satisfy conditions. If repairs are required by the appraiser, please double and triple check that EVERYTHING is complete prior to a final inspection. A 2nd final inspection only delays the process yet again!

Please take a minute to pray for Christopher Godish, a former member of my youth group at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Woodlawn. Chris is now a teacher at a school in Japan. You can hear more about his story below. His family is desparately trying to get someone to help him.

Comments

Hi Bridget, Everything does need to be put in the proper perspective. Great advice on talking with your client at the start to let them know some of the issues we are seeing. It can be frustrating, for all concerned. I have to feel for the underwriters..there job is not easy these days. All the best on your friend Chris..he is not in a great place right now, but sounds like his spirits are good.

Bridget, we have to take the time to have these conversations. What is happening in Japan is not be ignored. It is real and impacting all of us in so many ways. Thank you for passing this story about Chris and his day forward for prayers and good intentions.